HELLO, AND BYE, MOTHER!

I didn't know how I found myself in the middle a woody area, but as I walked into a clearing, I felt a sense of familiarity overwhelm me. A cabin stood, not far ahead, looking like it would fall to pieces at any moment.

Spurred on by an inner force, I walked towards it, hesitating for only a brief instance before walking in. The room I entered was sparsely furnished with only two stools at a corner and a long table in the middle.

There was really nothing of interest in the cabin but as I turned to walk away, my attention was drawn to a man someone sitting cross legged on a mat in the extreme corner of the room. I unknowingly walking towards the person needing to know who it was.

As I got close enough, I noticed a man with bald head and a long white beard. His eyes were closed and he seemed to be meditating. Just then, another man came into the room and bowed low. "Master, there's still no word about her. Maybe we should."

"NO!" The white bearded man's eyes flew open. "We can't give